Sampling container for collection of fluids

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for the collection, transportation and analysis of gas samples which may be required in various scientific, environmental and natural resource contexts is provided. The apparatus comprises a sampling container assembly for sampling a fluid. The container assembly comprises a body defining a sampling chamber having a first end and a second end, a first valve assembly fluidly coupled with the first end and a reactant material positioned within the sampling chamber for reacting with the fluid. After collection of the sample in the sampling container assembly, hazardous fluids are converted to non-hazardous materials that can be transported without additional hazardous material restraints. Further, the flow through design of the sampling container assembly allows for the collection of gases such as H 2 S at low concentrations by flowing the gas over the reactant materials for longer periods of time.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/465,086, filed Mar. 14, 2011, which is herein incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to containers andmethods for the collection, transportation and analysis of fluid sampleswhich may be required in various scientific, environmental and naturalresource contexts.

2. Description of the Related Art

Having the ability to collect, differentiate and categorize differentgas mixtures and their individual components has long been a necessityfor the purposes of energy exploration and source identification ofstray gases (i.e., differentiating gases from landfills, gas storagefields, producing wells, etc.). However, in order to do so successfully,one often needs to obtain samples from different potential source gases,and then submit the samples for detailed testing and comparison. Becauseanalysis of the chemical composition can often be inconclusive indifferentiating similar gases, isotope analysis of individual componentsof the gas can often provide an effective means of distinguishing twootherwise chemically identical gas sources. For instance, methane from asanitary landfill is isotopically different from methane associated withpetroleum. Similarly, isotope analysis of certain gas components canalso provide insight to the mechanism of formation of the gases, andtherefore give insight into the commercial viability of the gas source.Unfortunately, the transfer and shipment of hazardous materials (e.g.,flammable and/or toxic gases) is often costly and usually requiresspecialized training. In some instances, air shipment of such gases isstrictly forbidden (i.e. toxic gases). One such component of interestoften associated with natural gas is hydrogen sulfide (H₂S).

Typical ways of collecting gases containing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) haveincluded the use of containers like gas bags, chemically treated metalcylinders, and glass vials. Such containers are often fragile, expensiveand unwieldy. In some instances, samples containing toxic concentrationsof H₂S are strictly forbidden on aircraft. In parts of the world whereisotope analysis is not available, the only means of transporting suchsamples to a laboratory with isotope analysis capability would be viaocean freight, and then via ground transport. This procedure oftenconsumes valuable time and resources, as the shipping of hazardousmaterials involves specialized training for the shipper as well asassociated hazardous shipping fees and restrictions. H₂S is also highlyreactive and may react with the vessel in which it is contained. Forinstance, untreated stainless steel cylinders can completely “remove”H₂S from a gas mixture.

Once in the lab, the current technology for extracting sulfur from H₂Sfor isotopic analysis is to flow the gas through various solutions. Thecurrent solutions include cadmium acetate, silver phosphate, zincacetate, and silver phosphate/silver nitrate solutions. All of thesemethods utilize liquid solutions and except for zinc acetate arehazardous.

Therefore, there is a need for containers and methods for thecollection, transportation, and analysis of fluid samples with reducedcosts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to containers andmethods for the collection, transportation and analysis of fluid sampleswhich may be required in various scientific, environmental and naturalresource contexts. In one embodiment a container assembly for sampling afluid is provided. The container assembly includes a body defining asampling chamber having a first end and a second end, a first valveassembly fluidly coupled with the first end and a reactant materialpositioned within the sampling chamber for reacting with the fluid.

In another embodiment a container assembly for sampling a fluid includesa body defining a sampling chamber having a first end and a second end,a first valve assembly fluidly coupled with the first end, a secondvalve assembly fluidly coupled with the second end, an indicatormaterial positioned within the chamber for identifying the presence of afluid, a reactant material positioned within the chamber for reactingwith the fluid, and a filtering material positioned within the chamberfor controlling flow and separating the indicator material from thereactant material.

In yet another embodiment, a method for sampling a hydrogen sulfide gasis provided. The method comprises flowing a gas containing hydrogensulfide into a sampling container assembly, wherein the containerassembly includes a reactant material, reacting the hydrogen sulfidewith the reactant material, and converting the hydrogen sulfide to aninert form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the presentinvention can be understood in detail, a more particular description ofthe invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference toembodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Itis to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a sampling containerassembly according to embodiments described herein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a samplingcontainer assembly according to embodiments described herein;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a samplingcontainer assembly according to embodiments described herein; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a sampling containerassembly and a sampling assembly according to embodiments describedherein.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in oneembodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments withoutspecific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide sample containers andmethods for the safe and cost efficient collection, transportation andanalysis of fluid samples. In certain embodiments described herein, thecontainers and methods provided herein circumvent current hazardousmaterials regulations by chemically changing hazardous gases (e.g., H₂S)into a material that is non-hazardous and therefore can be shipped bytraditional means (e.g., post, courier service, or air freight). Thuseliminating the need for HAZMAT training for the shipper as well as feesassociated with the shipment of hazardous materials. Furthermore, thesize of the containers described herein will also result insubstantially reduced shipping costs for the user.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a sampling containerassembly 100. The sampling container assembly 100 includes a body 110having a first end 130 and a second end 140. The body 110 defines asampling chamber 120 for holding a compound. The compound may be asampling fluid such as a gas. The gas may be a hazardous ornon-hazardous material. The sampling fluid may enter the samplingchamber 120 and be partially converted to a different compound and/orphase containing the component for analysis while within the samplingchamber 120. For example, the sampling fluid may enter the samplingchamber 120 as a hazardous material and be converted to a non-hazardousor inert form while within the sampling chamber 120. Exemplary gasesinclude hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) containing gases, carbon monoxide (CO)containing gases, carbon dioxide (CO₂) containing gases, and hydrocarboncontaining gases.

The sampling container assembly 100 may be a flow through containerassembly. The body 110 may be constructed of any material that does notsubstantially react with the fluid. Exemplary materials for constructingthe body 110 include metal, aluminum, steel, plastic, polymer basedmaterial, carbon fiber or combinations thereof. The body 110 maycomprise an opaque, transparent or semitransparent material. The body110 may be any shape configured to hold the fluid. Exemplary shapes ofthe body 110 include a cylindrical or tubular body shape.

A first valve assembly 150 may be coupled to the first end 130 of thebody and a second valve assembly 160 may be coupled to the second end140 of the body. The first valve assembly 150 and the second valveassembly 160 may be self sealing for retaining the sampling fluid withinthe sampling chamber 120. The first valve assembly 150 and the secondvalve assembly 160 may be pneumatic valve assemblies. Exemplary valvesassemblies include Schrader valves (typically comprising a valve steminto which a valve core is threaded—the valve core may be a poppet valveassisted by a spring), Presta valves and Dunlop valves. The first valveassembly 150 and the second valve assembly 160 may be coupled to thebody 110 using any suitable attachment mechanism known in the art.Exemplary attachment mechanisms include hose barbs.

A reactant material 170 is positioned within the sampling chamber 120for reacting with the sampling fluid. The reactant material 170 maycomprise any material suitable for interacting with the sampling fluidand “trapping” the fluid via chemical or other suitable ways. Thereactant material 170 may trap or convert the sampling fluid to adifferent compound and/or phase containing the component for analysiswhile within the sampling chamber. For example, the sampling fluid maybe converted to an inert (and/or non-hazardous) form for subsequentshipment or analysis. Typically, the reactant material 170 is selectedsuch that the reactant material 170 does not contain the component forisotopic analysis. For example, if the sampling fluid is H₂S and thecomponent for analysis is sulfur then the initial reactant material 170would not contain sulfur. The reactant material may be in any formsufficient to allow the desired flow of fluid throughout the samplingchamber 120. The reactant material 170 may be a solid material such as apowder or granular material. The reactant material 170 may have anysuitable size. For example, the reactant material 170 may have a grainsize between about 0.1 mm and about 1 mm across. In another example, thereactant material 170 may have a grain size between about 0.3 mm andabout 0.5 mm across. In certain embodiments the reactant material may beselected from zinc carbonate hydroxide (Zn₅(CO₃)₂(OH)₆), iron III oxidehydrate (2FeO(OH)), zinc acetate (2(C₂H₃O₂)₂Zn), iron oxide (Fe₂O3), andcombinations thereof. The amount of reactant material 170 positionedwithin the sampling chamber 120 is sufficient to react with the fluidand convert the sampling fluid to a different compound and/or phasecontaining the component for analysis, for example, converting thesampling fluid to a non-hazardous or inert form, without substantiallyrestricting the flow of fluid through the sampling chamber 120. In oneexample, the amount of reactant material 170 positioned within thesampling chamber 120 may be between 10 mg and 200 mg. In anotherexample, the amount of reactant material 170 positioned within thesampling chamber 120 may be between 10 mg and 80 mg. In yet anotherembodiment, the amount of reactant material 170 positioned within thesampling chamber 120 may be between 40 mg and 50 mg.

An indicator material 180 may be positioned within the sampling chamber120. The indicator material 180 may be used for indicating the presenceor absence of the sampling fluid. The indicator material 180 may be usedto indicate that the aforementioned reactant material 170 has beencompletely converted or saturated with the fluid. The indicator material180 may undergo a visible change color to indicate the presence orabsence of the sampling fluid. As depicted in FIG. 1, if present, theindicator material 180 may be positioned downstream from the reactantmaterial and therefore will not begin to change color until all of thereactant material has sufficiently reacted with the fluid. The indicatormaterial 180 may comprise any material capable of indicating thepresence of the fluid. In certain embodiment, the indicator material 180identifies the presence of H₂S and indicates when the reaction of H₂Swith the reactant material is complete. The indicator material 180 maybe selected from lead acetate, copper sulfate, and combinations thereof.The indicator material 180 may be a solid material such as a powder orgranular material. The indicator material 180 may have any suitablesize. In one example, the indicator material 180 may have a grain sizebetween about 1 micron and about 50 microns across. In another example,the indicator material 180 may have a grain size between about 1 micronand about 20 microns across. In yet another example, the indicatormaterial 180 may have a grain size between about 5 microns and about 10microns across. The indicator material 180 may be present in an amountsufficient to allow multiple reads while allowing for efficient flow ofthe fluid through the sampling chamber 120. In one example, the amountof indicator material 180 positioned within the sampling chamber 120 maybe between 50 grams and 400 grams. In another example, the amount ofindicator material 180 positioned within the sampling chamber 120 may bebetween 100 grams and 200 grams. In yet another example, the amount ofindicator material 180 positioned within the sampling chamber 120 may bebetween 130 grams and 150 grams.

Optionally, a filter material 190 a-d may be positioned within thesampling chamber 120. The filter material 190 a-d may be used forholding the reactant material 170 and indicator material 180 in placewithout substantially interfering with the flow-though properties of thesampling container assembly 100. The ability to keep the reactantmaterial 170 and indicator material 180 compact and in place providesfor uniform flow of the fluid over the reactant material 170 and theindicator material 180. The filter material 190 a-d also controls theflow of fluid by diffusing the fluid through the reactant evenly, toavoid channeling of the fluid flow through only a small portion of thereactant which could result in an inadequate sample collection. Thefilter material 190 a-d may be a material that is inert relative to thefluids in the sampling chamber 120. Exemplary filter materials 190 a-dinclude polyethylene (PE) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) basedmaterials. The filter material 190 a-d may be an inert fibrous, porous,or sintered filtering material. The pores of the filter material 190 a-dare typically smaller than the grain size of the either the reactantmaterial 170 or the indicator material 180.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the filter material 190 a and 190 b arepositioned on either side of the reactant material 170 to hold thereactant material 170 in place and the filter material 190 c and 190 dare positioned on either side of the indicator material 180 to hold theindicator material 180 in place. It should be understood that althoughfour filters 190 a-d are depicted in FIG. 1, any number of filters maybe used in the sampling container assembly 100.

In operation, a sampling fluid enters the sampling chamber 120 via thefirst valve assembly 150. The sampling fluid may be a hazardous ornon-hazardous fluid. The sampling fluid flows through the filtermaterial 190 a and contacts the reactant material 170, whereby thesampling fluid reacts with the reactant material 170. The reaction atleast partially converts the sampling fluid to a different compoundand/or phase containing the component for analysis. For example, thereaction with the reactant may convert at least some of the samplingfluid from fluid phase to a solid phase. Some of the sampling fluidflows through the filter material 190 c and contacts the indicatormaterial 180 to indicate the presence of the sampling fluid. In oneexample, when substantially all of the reactant material issaturated/reacted (i.e., the reactant material has been used up viareaction with the sampling fluid) any additional sampling fluidcontinues to flow through the used up reactant material toward thedownstream indicator material 180. The additional sampling fluid flowsthrough the filter material 190 c and contacts the indicator material180 thus indicating that substantially all of the reactant material hasbeen used up and the desired amount of the product containing thecomponent for analysis has been collected. The additional sampling fluidmay flow through the filter material 190 d and exit the sampling chamber120 via the second valve assembly 160.

In one embodiment, a sampling fluid containing hazardous material entersthe sampling chamber 120 via the first valve assembly 150. The samplingfluid flows through the filter material 190 a and contacts the reactantmaterial 170, whereby the hazardous material reacts with the reactantmaterial 170. The reaction at least partially converts the hazardousmaterial to a non-hazardous compound and/or different phase containingthe component for analysis. For example, the reaction with the reactantmay convert at least some of the hazardous material from fluid phase toa non-hazardous solid phase. Some of the sampling fluid flows throughthe filter material 190 c and contacts the indicator material 180 toindicate the presence of the hazardous sampling fluid. In one example,when substantially all of the reactant material is saturated/reacted(i.e., the reactant material has been used up via reaction with thehazardous fluid) any additional hazardous sampling fluid continues toflow through the used up reactant material toward the downstreamindicator material 180. The additional hazardous fluid flows through thefilter material 190 c and contacts the indicator material 180 thusindicating that substantially all of the reactant material has been usedup and the desired amount of the non-hazardous product containing thecomponent for analysis has been collected. The additional hazardousfluid may flow through the filter material 190 d and exit the samplingchamber 120 via the second valve assembly 160.

FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic view of another embodiment of asampling container assembly 200 according to embodiments describedherein. The sampling container assembly 200 is similar to the samplingcontainer assembly 100 depicted in FIG. 1 except that the body 210includes an opaque material and swaging is used to hold a first valveassembly 250 and a second valve assembly 260 in place. The samplingcontainer assembly 200 is suitable for sampling in situations where avisible indicator material (e.g., color changing material) is notneeded. The body 210 has a first end 230 and a second end 240 anddefines a sampling chamber (not visible) similar to sampling chamber 120for holding a fluid. The sampling chamber contains a reactant material(not visible) similar to reactant material 170. The sampling chamber mayoptionally contain filter material similar to filter material 190 a-d.The sampling chamber may also optionally contain an indicator materialsimilar to indicator material 180. The valve assemblies 250, 260 may besimilar to valve assemblies 150, 160. Optional o-rings 275 a-d may bepositioned on each valve assembly 250, 260 prior to coupling the valveassemblies 250, 260 with the corresponding first end 230 and second end240 of the body 210 via a swaging process.

FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic view of another embodiment of asampling container assembly 300 according to embodiments describedherein. The sampling container assembly 300 is similar to the samplingcontainer assembly 100 depicted in FIG. 1 except that the first valveassembly 350 and the second valve assembly 360 are coupled with the body310 using pipe threads. The sampling container assembly 300 comprises abody 310 similar to body 110 having a first end 330 and a second end340. The body 310 defines a sampling chamber 320 for holding a fluid.The sampling chamber contains a reactant material (not shown) similar toreactant material 170 and may optionally contain an indicator materialsimilar to indicator material 180 and/or filter material similar tofilter material 190. The first end 330 and the second end 340 compriseinternal threads and the corresponding first valve assembly 350 andsecond valve assembly each comprise external threads for mating with thecorresponding internal threads. The valve assemblies 350, 360 may besimilar to valve assemblies 150, 160.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a sampling containerassembly 100 and a sampling assembly 400 according to embodimentsdescribed herein. The sampling assembly 400 comprises a sampling device410 for coupling with a fluid source and sampling container assembly 100as previously described herein. Although shown as being used together,it should be understood that the sampling device 410 may be used withother sampling containers and the sampling container assembly 100 may beused with other sampling devices.

The sampling device 410 is designed for collecting samples from highpressure sources. The sampling device 410 includes a frame 420 composedof a rigid material, for example, metal, and has a longitudinal bodysegment 422. A first panel 424 extends from a first end of the bodysegment 422 and is oriented at a right angle relative to the bodysegment 422. A second panel 426 extends from a second end of the bodysegment 422 and is oriented at a right angle relative to the bodysegment 422. The first panel 424 has an aperture (not visible). Thesecond panel 426 has a corresponding aperture (not visible). Mounted tothe first panel 424 and within the aperture of the first panel 424 is afixed chuck 440. Mounted to the second panel 426 and within the apertureof the second panel 426 is a spring-loaded chuck 450. The spring-loadedchuck 450 and the fixed chuck 440 provide the mounting mechanisms forthe sampling container assembly 100.

The sampling device 410 further includes an optional source filter 430for coupling with the fluid source (not shown) and removing contaminantsfrom the fluid prior to entry of the fluid into the sampling containerassembly 100. A pressure regulator 445 is coupled with the fixed chuck440 for adjusting the pressure of the fluid coming from the fluid sourceprior to entering the sampling container assembly 100, and a vent hose460 is coupled with the spring-loaded chuck 450 for venting excess fluidfrom the sampling container assembly 100.

In operation, the sampling device 410 is coupled with the fluid source,which is typically a high pressure source, via the pressure regulator445. The pressure regulator 445 reduces the fluid pressure prior toentry of the fluid into the sampling container assembly 100. In certainembodiments, the pressure regulator may reduce the pressure of the fluidfrom about 3,000 psi down to about 40 psi. The fixed chuck 440 mateswith the first valve assembly 150. The fixed chuck 440 comprises a softgasket and pin that depresses the core in the first valve assembly 150of the sampling container assembly 100, thereby opening the first valveassembly 150. Without the sampling container assembly 100, the fixedchuck 440 remains sealed with no fluid flowing through the fixed chuck440. Once the sampling container assembly 100 is inserted, the fixedchuck 440 and the first valve assembly 150 are simultaneously openedallowing fluid to flow into the sampling container assembly 100. Thespring-loaded chuck 450 functions similarly to the fixed chuck 440.Typically, the second valve assembly 160 of the sampling containerassembly 100 is positioned in the spring-loaded chuck 450 first bycompressing the spring of the spring-loaded chuck 450 whichsimultaneously opens the spring-loaded chuck 450 and the second valveassembly 160. While the spring is compressed, the first valve assembly150 of the sampling container assembly 100 is aligned with the fixedchuck 440. The spring of the spring-loaded chuck 450 is released thusinserting the first valve assembly 150 into the fixed chuck 440 allowingthe flow of fluid into the sampling container assembly 100. The samplingcontainer assembly 100 is positioned within the sampling device 410 withthe reactant material 170 positioned closest to the fixed chuck 440 andthe indicator material 180 positioned closest to the spring-loaded chuck450. Fluid flows through the sampling container assembly 100 and reactswith the reactant material 170 until the indicator material 180indicates, typically via a color change, that the desired amount of thecomponent to be analyzed has been collected. The sampling containerassembly 100 is removed from the sampling device 410 and may be shippedto the proper facility for isotopic analysis.

EXAMPLES

Objects and advantages of the embodiments described herein are furtherillustrated by the following hypothetical example. The particularmaterials and amounts thereof, as well as other conditions and details,recited in these examples should not be used to limit the embodimentsdescribed herein.

A gas containing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is used as the exemplary fluidwith sulfur as the desired component to be collected for isotopicanalysis. H₂S is very toxic and dangerous even at low levels. Since H₂Sis typically present in varying concentrations, varying concentrationsof the gas containing the H₂S will be required to collect the desiredamount of sulfur for analysis. For gases containing low concentrationsof H₂S, it will take more gas and thus a longer flow time to collect thesulfur needed for analysis. Gases containing high concentrations of H₂Swill saturate the reactant immediately so the flow time will be shortrequiring a very low volume of gas. The amount of reactant is based onhow much sulfur is needed for analysis. For example, for a gascontaining a concentration of about 5 ppm of H₂S, about 500 liters ofgas is required in order to collect the desired amount of sulfur. Forgases containing a concentration of about 50 ppm of H₂S, about 50 litersof gas is required in order to collect the desired amount of sulfur.Since the concentration of H₂S is variable and the sampling containerassembly 100 is a flow through container the amount of sulfur collectedis not limited by the size of the sampling container assembly 100. Thesampling container assembly allows for the collection of sampleregardless of concentration such that the only variable is time which inessence is volume.

In one example, the reactant material may be zinc carbonate hydroxide(Zn₅(CO₃)₂(OH)₆). In the reaction, the hydrogen sulfide in fluid form isconverted to (Zn₅(CO₃)₂SH(OH)₅), which is a solid phase compound.

The embodiments described herein provide several advantages over priormethods of collecting hazardous fluid samples. In certain embodiments,after collection in the sampling container assembly, hazardouscomponents are converted to non-hazardous components that can betransported without additional hazardous material restraints. In certainembodiments, the sampling container assembly is compact, lightweight,easy and inexpensive to ship. In certain embodiments, the samples in thesample container assembly do not require further treatment prior toanalysis. In certain embodiments, the reactant materials are granularsolids rather than liquid solutions, and therefore easier to handle bothin the field and in the laboratory.

Further, the results of isotope analysis performed on samples collectedusing the container assembly and techniques described hereindemonstrated that the embodiments described herein are comparable totraditional techniques which utilize reactant solutions. The flowthrough design of the embodiments described herein allow for thecollection of gases such as H₂S at low concentrations by flowing the gasover the reactant materials for longer periods of time. Traditionalcollection containers typically do not provide sufficient volumes orconcentrations of gas to obtain an isotope analysis of a particularcomponent which is problematic since isotope concentrations are largelyconcentration dependent. The versatile design of the embodimentsdescribed herein allow for the contents of the sampling containerassembly to be easily modified for the collection and subsequentanalysis of other gaseous components of interest.

In another embodiment, a method for sampling a hydrogen sulfide gasincludes flowing a gas containing hydrogen sulfide into a samplingcontainer assembly, wherein the container assembly includes a reactantmaterial; reacting the hydrogen sulfide with the reactant material; andconverting the hydrogen sulfide to an inert form. In yet anotherembodiment, the method also includes reacting the hydrogen sulfide withan indicator material for identifying the presence of the hydrogensulfide.

In another embodiment, a container assembly for sampling a fluid isprovided. The sampling container assembly comprises a body defining asampling chamber having a first end and a second end, a first valveassembly coupled with the first end, a second valve assembly coupledwith the second end, an indicator material positioned within the chamberfor identifying the presence of a fluid, a reactant material positionedwithin the sampling chamber for reacting with the fluid, and a filteringmaterial positioned within the sampling chamber for controlling flow ofthe fluid through the sampling chamber. In certain embodiments, theindicator material is placed downstream relative to the reactantmaterial. In certain embodiments, the indicator material identifies thepresence of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and indicates when the reaction ofH₂S with the reactant material is complete. In certain embodiments, theindicator material is selected from the group consisting of: leadacetate, copper sulfate, and combinations thereof. In certainembodiments, the reactant material and the indicator material are eachgranular solids. In certain embodiments, the body is constructed ofmetal, plastic, polymer or carbon fiber capable of containing fluidunder pressure. In certain embodiments, the body is constructed of amaterial which is inert with respect to the fluid, reactant material andthe indicator material. In certain embodiments at least one of the firstvalve assembly and the second valve assembly is a self-closing valveassembly. In certain embodiments, the reactant material traps the fluidin an inert (non-hazardous) form. In certain embodiments, the reactantmaterial is selected from the group consisting of: zinc carbonatehydroxide (Zn₅(CO₃)₂(OH)₆), iron III oxide hydrate (2FeO(OH)), zincacetate (2(C₂H₃O₂)₂Zn), iron oxide (Fe₂O3), and combinations thereof. Incertain embodiments, the filtering material is selected from the groupconsisting of: polyethylene (PE) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)based materials.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention,other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised withoutdeparting from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof isdetermined by the claims that follow.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A container assembly for sampling a fluid,comprising: a body defining a sampling chamber having a first end and asecond end; a first valve assembly coupled with the first end; areactant material positioned within the sampling chamber for reactingwith the fluid; and an indicator material for identifying the presenceof the fluid, and positioned downstream relative to the reactantmaterial in the sampling chamber.
 2. The container assembly of claim 1,further comprising: a second valve assembly coupled with the second end,wherein the fluid enters the sampling chamber through the first valveassembly and exits through the second valve assembly.
 3. The containerassembly of claim 2, wherein the first valve assembly and the secondvalve assembly are self sealing for retaining the fluid within thechamber.
 4. The container assembly of claim 1, further comprising: afiltering material positioned within the sampling chamber forcontrolling flow and separating the indicator material from the reactantmaterial.
 5. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the fluidcontains hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and the reactant material convertshydrogen sulfide (H₂S) to an inert form.
 6. The container assembly ofclaim 5, wherein the indicator material identifies the presence of H₂Sand indicates when the reaction of H₂S with the reactant material iscomplete.
 7. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the fluid is agas selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)containing gases, carbon monoxide (CO) containing gases, carbon dioxide(CO₂) containing gases, and hydrocarbon containing gases.
 8. Thecontainer assembly of claim 1, wherein the reactant material isconfigured to at least partially convert the fluid to an inert formcontaining a component for analysis.
 9. A container assembly forsampling a fluid, comprising: a body defining a sampling chamber havinga first end and a second end; a first valve assembly coupled with thefirst end; a second valve assembly coupled with the second end; anindicator material positioned within the sampling chamber foridentifying the presence of a fluid; a reactant material positionedwithin the sampling chamber for reacting with the fluid; and a filteringmaterial positioned within the sampling chamber for controlling flow ofthe fluid through the sampling chamber, wherein the indicator materialis positioned downstream relative to the reactant material.
 10. Thecontainer assembly of claim 9, wherein the indicator material identifiesthe presence of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and indicates when the reactionof H₂S with the reactant material is complete.
 11. The containerassembly of claim 10, wherein the indicator material is selected fromthe group consisting of: lead acetate, copper sulfate, and combinationsthereof.
 12. The container assembly of claim 10, wherein the reactantmaterial is selected from the group consisting of: zinc carbonatehydroxide (Zn₅(CO₃)₂(OH)₆), iron III oxide hydrate (2FeO(OH)), zincacetate (2(C₂H₃O₂)₂Zn), iron oxide (Fe₂O3), and combinations thereof.13. The container assembly of claim 9, wherein the reactant material andthe indicator material are each granular solids.
 14. The containerassembly of claim 9, wherein the body is constructed of metal, plastic,polymer or carbon fiber capable of containing fluid under pressure. 15.The container assembly of claim 9, wherein the body is constructed of amaterial which is inert with respect to the fluid, reactant material andthe indicator material.
 16. The container assembly of claim 9, whereinat least one of the first valve assembly and the second valve assemblyis a self-closing valve assembly.
 17. The container assembly of claim 9,wherein the reactant material traps the fluid in an inert(non-hazardous) form.
 18. The container of claim 9, wherein thefiltering material is selected from the group consisting of:polyethylene (PE) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) based materials.19. The container assembly of claim 9, wherein the fluid is a gasselected from the group consisting of: hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) containinggases, carbon monoxide (CO) containing gases, carbon dioxide (CO₂)containing gases, and hydrocarbon containing gases.
 20. The containerassembly of claim 9, wherein the reactant material is configured to atleast partially convert the fluid to an inert form containing acomponent for analysis.
 21. A container assembly for sampling a fluid,comprising: a body defining a sampling chamber having a first end and asecond end; a first valve assembly coupled with the first end; a secondvalve assembly coupled with the second end; an indicator materialpositioned within the chamber for identifying the presence of a fluid; areactant material positioned within the sampling chamber for reactingwith the fluid; and a filtering material positioned within the samplingchamber for controlling flow of the fluid through the sampling chamber,wherein the indicator material identifies the presence of hydrogensulfide (H₂S) and indicates when the reaction of H₂S with the reactantmaterial is complete.
 22. The container assembly of claim 21, whereinthe body is constructed of metal, plastic, polymer or carbon fibercapable of containing fluid under pressure.
 23. The container assemblyof claim 21, wherein the body is constructed of a material which isinert with respect to the fluid, reactant material and the indicatormaterial.
 24. The container assembly of claim 21, wherein at least oneof the first valve assembly and the second valve assembly is aself-closing valve assembly.
 25. The container assembly of claim 21,wherein the reactant material traps the fluid in an inert(non-hazardous) form.
 26. The container assembly of claim 21, whereinthe filtering material is selected from the group consisting of:polyethylene (PE) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) based materials.27. The container assembly of claim 21, wherein the reactant materialand the indicator material are each granular solids.